In the 38 years since Congress initiated the NFL television blackout rule, every team has had to sell out its non-premium seats 72 hours before kickoff to assure home games being shown in their local markets.

During this unprecedented time, with a three-month NFL lockout stalling ticket sales and the economy still struggling, commissioner Roger Goodell is trying to think outside the box. Owners will consider a league proposal at Tuesday's owner meetings to possibly reduce the blackout number by up to 15 percent at each team's discretion, though Jacksonville won't do it because Jaguars owner Wayne Weaver already covered up over 9,700 seats in the 2005 season.

The NFL should go one step further: lift the blackout rule for at least the first four regular-season games as a gesture to fans, many of whom are apathetic due to labor issues. The toughest games to sell will be early on because fans are livid at players and owners fighting over billions of dollars. So why not send a message to fans they'll be assured of having all home games televised for a little while?

The NFL says it cares about the fans. In these unusually tough times, temporarily rescinding the blackout rule would be a good way to show it. . . .

Former Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor has signed on with Miami super-agent Drew Rosenhaus? What is it with these Ohio athletes taking their talents to South Beach? . . .

So in 10 years of being on the Ohio State football staff, interim head coach Luke Fickell says he had no knowledge of any illicit activity regarding players not following NCAA rules. That sound you just heard was Maurice Clarett coughing. . . .

Memo to Rory McIlroy: Whatever you do this weekend at the U.S. Open, don't think about Jean van de Velde, Dustin Johnson or white cottages. . . .

Despite playing only 23 total minutes for the Dallas Mavericks in the playoffs, Corey Brewer became the first player from Florida's back-to-back national title teams to win an NBA championship ring. To which LeBron James might reply: "Corey still has to go back to his life as a benchwarmer." . . .

A lot of turmoil swirling around the Florida State baseball program following its NCAA super regional loss to Texas A&M. Speculation is that pitching coach Jamey Shouppe, a 21-year fixture under boss Mike Martin, will soon resign. It's hard to believe there are actually some FSU fans are starting to grumble about baseball not winning enough to suit them. One question: when did the Seminoles become the New York Yankees? Be grateful you have a program that, every year, either gets into the College World Series or knocks on the door. . . .

From David Letterman's top-10 list of "good things about winning an NBA title," the No. 1 reason, as announced by Dallas Mavericks star Dirk Nowitzki: "It might land me a Kardashian sister."